Air Fryer Spicy Mango Glazed Tilapia

Air Fryer Spicy Mango Glazed Tilapia

Sweet, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat, this Air Fryer Spicy Mango Glazed Tilapia is a tropical delight. Perfectly air-fried, it’s a unique and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to paradise.

Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets

• 1 cup fresh mango, diced (or 1/2 cup mango puree)

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Fresh cilantro or mint, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tilapia:

• Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better and prevents excess moisture.

2. Make the Mango Glaze:

• In a blender or food processor, combine diced mango, honey, lime juice, chili flakes, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

• Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or lime juice as desired. Set aside a small portion for serving as a dipping sauce.

3. Coat the Fillets:

• Using a brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of the tilapia fillets with the mango glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting midway through cooking.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

5. Cook the Tilapia:

• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

• Place the glazed tilapia fillets in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.

• Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste the fillets with the reserved glaze when flipping for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the tilapia from the air fryer and transfer to a serving platter.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of freshness. Serve with the reserved mango glaze on the side.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Fresh Mango: If fresh mango isn’t available, frozen mango chunks or canned mango puree work just as well.

• Control the Spice: Adjust the heat by reducing the chili flakes or swapping them with a milder spice like paprika.

• Versatile Glaze: The mango glaze also works beautifully with chicken or shrimp, so feel free to experiment.

Serving Suggestions:

This tropical-inspired dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice: Coconut rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa for a light and filling base.

• Vegetables: Air-fried zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or grilled asparagus.

• Salads: A tropical fruit salad or a light cucumber-mint salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~240

• Protein: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Fat: ~8g

• Fiber: ~1g

Spice up your weeknight dinners or wow your guests with this vibrant and flavorful Air Fryer Spicy Mango Glazed Tilapia. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!